Telemedicine in Elderly Care: Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions

Abstract

Background: Telemedicine is transforming elderly care by enhancing accessibility, optimizing chronic disease management, and increasing healthcare efficiency. However, significant disparities in research funding, infrastructure development, and policy execution continue to hinder its widespread and equitable adoption.

Objective: This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research on telemedicine in elderly care, identifying key trends, research gaps, and future opportunities. Unlike previous studies, it systematically maps global research collaborations, thematic research clusters, and persistent barriers to equitable telemedicine adoption, offering insights for decision-makers.

Methods: A scoping review and bibliometric analysis were conducted using Scopus, analyzing 862 peer-reviewed articles. Co-occurrence mapping, Betweenness Centrality, and Freeman Degree analyses were used to identify dominant research themes and emerging trends.

Results: Findings reveal a threefold increase in telemedicine research post-2014, peaking during COVID-19. Anglo-Saxon countries dominate research output, with significant regional disparities. Thematic clustering identified four core areas: 1) Healthcare access and demographics; 2) Institutional integration and nursing homes; 3) COVID-19’s impact on telemedicine; 4) Gender disparities in elderly care research. Despite rapid advancements, critical challenges remain, including digital literacy gaps, financial constraints, and policy fragmentation.

Conclusions: Telemedicine is a game-changer for elderly care, but without targeted policy reforms and infrastructure investments, its potential remains underutilized. This study provides data-driven insights for governments, healthcare providers, and nursing homes to bridge these gaps and ensure a more equitable future for digital healthcare.